Introduction: Transnational Mobilities and Action Sport Cultures: Conceptual, Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Abstract

On October 14, 2012, Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner stepped out onto a platform more than 120,000 feet from earth. After a nervous journey in which he was carried into outer space by a helium-filled balloon, Baumgartner emerges from the capsule in a white space suit covered in logos of energy drink company Red Bull, and stands on the ledge overlooking the speckled earth surface. After brief communications with his mission team located in eastern New Mexico, he then proclaims ‘the whole word’s watching … I’m going home now’, before leaning into the fall. After a few moments of free-fall, Baumgartner begins to spin wildly, out of control, his body blurs. Audio from the control room is cut, leaving millions of viewers around the world perching on the edge of their seats, holding their breath in anticipation. It is only upon regaining control of the spin that the audio from Baumgartner’s mission team is switched back on, and family members and viewers alike are able to sigh with relief. Landing safely on the dry desert crust, Baumgartner collapses to his knees and looks briefly to the sky, raising his fists in elation. A Red Bull helicopter arrives on cue and the cameramen come running to capture the emotional moment. Indeed, it is a moment worthy of celebration. Baumgartner set an array of world records. Not only did he become the first person to free-fall while breaking the sound barrier, he also achieved the greatest distance travelled and speed reached by a skydiver.